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| Bo Bichette was 4-5 with 4 runs scored and 2 RBI in a 9-6 loss to the Orioles |
After sweeping the double header yesterday, the Blue Jays were looking for their 6th straight win and 20th series win of the season. Mitch White got the start with Alejandro Kirk behind the plate. George Springer was back in the field after DH'ing in the 2nd game of the double header. Vlad got the half day off tonight as DH with Cavan Biggio at 1B. Whit Merrifield was at 2B. Could the Blue Jays extend the win streak to 6 games and notch their 20th series win of the season? Here is tonight's game recap.
Game Highlights:
- The Blue Jays opened the scoring in the top of the 2nd as Matt Chapman singled scoring Alejandro Kirk
- The Blue Jays added a pair of runs in the top of the 3rd as Bo Bichette smashed a 2-run blast to right-center; also scoring George Springer. The call was overturned upon review after initially being called a double
- The Orioles got a pair back in the bottom half of the inning as Adley Rutschman doubled scoring Rougned Odor and Jorge Mateo
- A batter later, Cedric Mullins scored on a ground out by Anthony Santander
- A batter after that, Ryan Mountcastle singled home Rutschman
- Two batters later, Gunnar Henderson singled home Mountcastle
- Mitch White pitching line: 2.1IP 3H 5R (all earned) 3BB 2K 63 pitches (36 for strikes)
- Kyle Bradish pitching line: 3IP 6H 3R (all earned) 2BB 3K 66 pitches (42 fpr strikes)
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 5th as Chapman doubled home Bichette
- The Orioles added a run in the bottom of the 6th as Mullins singled scoring Mateo
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 7th on a double play ball hit by Teoscar Hernandez that scored Bichette
- Blue Jays manager John Schneider was ejected in the bottom of the 7th for arguing balls and strikes.
- The Orioles added a run in the bottom of the 8th on a bases loaded walk to Anthony Santander that forced in Odor
- A batter later, Mountcastle singled home Mullins and Rutschman. The second run was intially called out but was overturned upon review.
- The Blue Jays got one back in the top of the 9th as Kirk singled home Bichette
- Felix Bautista got the final 6 outs for his 12th save of the season
- Final score: Orioles 9 Blue Jays 6
My Take:
- Mitch White had an absolutely disastrous 3rd inning, loading the bases by walking the first two batters and hitting the third batter of the inning. two of the next three batters had RBI hits and the middle of those batters hit into a fielder's choice. White then was mercifully pulled after walking the next and seventh batter of the inning. He actually retired the first four batters he faced. Question is whether White is a better option than Kikuchi as a 5th starter. I say pick your poison.
- The bullpen had mixed results. Tim Mayza, Anthony Bass and Yimi Garcia were all perfeect in their efforts. Yusei Kikuchi gave up a run on 2 hits. Trevor Richards allowed the game to get out of reach, giving up three runs on three hits while walking 2 in 0.2 innings.
- This game had the makings of a playoff game. The Blue Jays dugout was fired up for much of the game, understandably upset at the poor umpiring by Jeff Nelson, who caused friction in the first game of the double header when he called Kevin Gausman for a balk. Today, Nelson was behind home plate and was definitely making poor calls. As the game progressed, the Blue Jays dugout was getting more and more voocal and in the 7th ining, the benches cleared at the end of the top half of the inning after Orioles righty Bryan Baker made a gesture at the Blue Jays dugout after striking out Teo to end the inning. In the bottom half of the inning, Schneider was ejected for arguing balls and strikes. Don't be surprised if tomorrow's game starts with both benches being warned. With these two squads likely battling it out for the final WC spot and 7 games left in the season series, the temperature will only rise
- Speaking of hot, Bo Bichette's bat is sizzling. After hitting 3 home runs in the second game of yesterday, Bo whacked a 2-run shot and scored 4 times. He's getting hot at just the right time. Hopefully the streak is contagious and other regulars follow suit. Can he pitch?
- In terms of the WC race, the Orioles gained a game back with the win and could finish the series exactly where they started - 2.5 games back of the Blue Jays for the 2nd WC spot. The Rays won and the Mariners were up late in their game vs. the White Sox. The Blue Jays are 1.5 games back of the Rays and will likely be the same of the Mariners.
- Up next, the Blue Jays go for series win #20 and will be looking to restore the 4.5 game cushion over the Orioles. Ace Alek Manoah starts against Orioles righty Dean Kremer
